Erica: Isaac Wilson just threw two interceptions in a season, and now he’s facing a defense that didn’t let him breathe for half the game. Are we looking at a complete schematic overhaul, or is this just one bad week? Stick with us, because today we are tearing into the film, the roster, and your questions.
Brett: It’s not just one bad week, Erica. It’s a pattern. We’re talking about pass protection breakdowns, coverage mismatches, and a running game that stalled before halftime. But hey, it’s Saturday night, and you’ve got mailbag questions coming in hot.
Erica: Welcome to the Beatline Podcast Network, where we break down every snap of college football. I’m Erica, and I’m here with Brett. Good evening, Buffs fans! If you’re new here, we are America’s number one daily sports podcast network, dedicated to giving you the deepest, most tactical analysis on the gridiron.
Brett: Evening everyone. Today is all about Colorado. They sit at 2-5, 16th in the Big 12, and they just got blown out by Oklahoma State 57-24. But before we dive into the pain, let’s lay out what’s coming up. First, we’re answering your questions on why Isaac Wilson is struggling despite good stats. Second, we’re breaking down the offensive line depth chart—yes, really. And third, we’ve got a fun hypothetical about the upcoming Kansas State matchup and a lightning round of quick takes.
Erica: So, three things: QB struggles, OL depth, and KSU preview. Let’s get right into it. Marcus from Denver asks: 'I saw Isaac Wilson had 280 yards and two touchdowns against Oklahoma State, but also two picks. Is he playing well, or is the coaching staff hiding something?' What do you think, Brett?
Brett: Well, Marcus, if you only look at the box score, Wilson looks decent. 19 of 27 passing is actually a pretty high completion percentage. But film doesn’t lie. Those two interceptions weren’t bad throws; they were bad reads caused by poor protection. He was under duress. You can’t throw deep when your left tackle is getting beat on the edge every single series.
Erica: Right. And remember, Sam Keltner kicked a school-record five field goals for Oklahoma State. That means Colorado’s offense couldn’t sustain drives. They went three-and-out, turned the ball over, and then faced fourth and long. How does that help Wilson’s confidence?
Brett: It destroys it. You see it in his body language after the second pick. He’s checking down too early. He’s not trusting his receivers to win their matchups because he knows the pocket is collapsing. Gideon Lampron had 14 tackles for Oklahoma State. That’s an insane number. It means the Cowboys’ defensive front was winning consistently. Wilson wasn’t just throwing into coverage; he was throwing into pressure.
Erica: Exactly. So Sarah from Boulder asks: 'If the O-line doesn’t fix itself, should Deion Sanders bench Wilson? Or is there another option?' We have Julian Lewis and Dominiq Ponder on the roster. Do they offer anything different?
Brett: Here’s the thing, Sarah. Switching quarterbacks doesn’t solve the protection issue. If you put Julian Lewis in, you still have the same offensive line struggling to handle edge rushers like Ethan Wesloski, who had two sacks and eight tackles in that game. The problem isn’t the arm; it’s the scheme and the personnel on the line.
Erica: But wait, Brett. Isn’t there a risk of losing momentum? Wilson has some experience now. He knows the playbook. Maybe sitting him hurts more than helping?
Brett: Momentum is overrated when you’re losing by 33 points. Look at the rushing game. JaQuail Smith had 13 carries for 39 yards. That’s three point zero per carry. You can’t run the ball, you can’t protect the quarterback, and you turn the ball over twice. The coaching staff needs to make a tough call. Maybe go with Dominiq Ponder if they want a different look, but honestly, I’d rather see them change the protection schemes entirely.
Erica: That’s a bold take. Change the protection. Okay, let’s pivot. Before we get to the next segment, I need to ask you something. We put out a fresh show every single day, diving deep into these exact moments, and it costs us time and resources to keep this free for you. A handful of supporters makes that possible. If you love what we do, please chip in through the link in the episode description. It helps us keep the lights on and the tape rolling. Now, back to the mailbag.
Brett: Thanks, Erica. Alright, let’s talk roster. Kevin in Fort Collins asks: 'Who are the real starters on the offensive line? I see a lot of names like Aiden DeCorte, Leon Bell, and Ben Gula. Who is actually holding down the fort?' This is crucial because if the line is weak, Wilson is doomed.
Erica: Great question, Kevin. The roster is deep with linemen. We have Yahya Attia, Leonard Bell, Aiden DeCorte, Chauncey Gooden, Ben Gula, Phillip Houston, Bo Hughley, Demetrius Hunter, Larry Johnson III, Sean Kinney, Jayvon McFadden, Xavier Payne, Jayven Richardson, Andre Roye Jr., Jose Soto, and Hudson Steber. That’s a lot of bodies. But who is starting?
Brett: Against Oklahoma State, the film showed significant issues on the edges. Ethan Wesloski was beating someone easily. Usually, that’s either the tackle or a tight end in motion. We know Zach Atkins and Fisher Clements are the TEs. If they aren’t blocking effectively, the QB gets exposed. I suspect the starting lineup includes veterans like Larry Johnson III or Demetrius Hunter in the middle, but the edges are where the bleed is happening.
Erica: So, @BuffsFan88 asks: 'Should they move some tight ends to block more? Like, use Fisher Clements as an extra lineman?' Is that a viable strategy to help Wilson?
Brett: You can do that temporarily, but you lose your receiving threat. Joseph Williams had 9 receptions for 135 yards. He’s the primary target. If you pull Fisher Clements off the field, you’re taking away a safety valve. Instead, I think they need to simplify the protections. Give Wilson a hot read. Get the ball out fast. Don’t ask him to hold the ball for five seconds while the defensive front collapses the pocket.
Erica: Fast release. That makes sense. What about the running backs? Titus Bautista, Damian Henderson II, Bryce Hicks, Cam Netwon, Cody Jordan, and JaQuail Smith. Who is the lead back? Smith only had 13 carries. Was he injured, or just ineffective?
Brett: Smith wasn’t injured. He was ineffective because the holes weren’t there. When your offensive line can’t create push, running backs can’t find lanes. It’s basic leverage. You can’t cut back if there’s no space. I’d expect Bryce Hicks or Damian Henderson II to get more touches moving forward. They might be better suited for inside runs where the blockers can create vertical seams.
Erica: Okay, so we’re looking for better fit in the backfield. Now, let’s move to Segment 3. We’ve got a fun hypothetical and a lightning round. First up: Amanda in Lawrence asks: 'Kansas State is 4-3. They’re coming to Boulder. Can Colorado actually win this game? Be honest.'
Brett: Honest answer? It’s a toss-up. Kansas State is 4-3, which means they’re above .500. Colorado is 2-5. But home field advantage matters. If Colorado fixes the pass protection—even just a little bit—and gets the ball out quickly to Joseph Williams and DeAndre Moore Jr., they can keep pace. But if they continue to play like they did in the second half against OSU, where they only scored 10 points, they’re going to lose again.
Erica: DeAndre Moore Jr. had a touchdown catch in that loss. He’s a weapon. So, my hypothetical: If Colorado wins this game, does Deion Sanders get fired? Or saved? Because the pressure is mounting.
Brett: He won’t be fired after one game. But the window is closing. The players are united, as Sanders said, but unity doesn’t stop sacks. They need a win. If they beat Kansas State, it’s a moral victory and a chance to stabilize. If they lose, the 2-6 record becomes a disaster for a program that started with so much hype.
Erica: Lightning round! Quick takes. One word each. First: Isaac Wilson’s future in Boulder. Brett?
Brett: Uncertain.
Erica: Second: Joseph Williams’ role. He’s the guy, right?
Brett: Staple.
Erica: Third: Will the O-line improve by next week? Yes or No?
Brett: No. Not fully.
Erica: There you have it. The mailbag is closed, but the work isn’t done. Colorado faces Kansas State on October 31st. If they don’t fix the pass protection, Isaac Wilson is going to struggle again. Subscribe, rate, and review us wherever you listen. Share this with a fellow Buff fan. Go Buffs!